theory — a formal statement of rules or principles that explain observed facts or phenomena
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a formal statement of rules or principles that explain observed facts or phenomena
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈθiːəri/
Example Sentences
- In theory, I should lose weight if I eat only salad, but in practice, I keep sneaking cookies.
- My theory about why cats knock things off tables is that they're secret physicists testing gravity.
- The theory of evolution explains how species change over time.
theory
NOUN[/ˈθiːəri/]
a formal statement of rules or principles that explain observed facts or phenomena
The scientist presented a new theory to explain the unusual results.
The theory connected many separate discoveries into one explanation.
A new theory solved the mystery and led to an important discovery.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Theory derives from Ancient Greek 'theorein', meaning 'to observe' or 'to behold'. The word evolved through 'theoria' (contemplation), originally referring to the act of witnessing festivals or ceremonies, and came to denote knowledge acquired through intellectual observation and reasoning rather than practical experience.
Breakdown
theorein (to observe, to contemplate) + -y (noun-forming suffix), where theorein combines theo- (view, sight) and the root meaning 'to look upon'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“In theory, I should lose weight if I eat only salad, but in practice, I keep sneaking cookies.”
“My theory about why cats knock things off tables is that they're secret physicists testing gravity.”
“The theory of evolution explains how species change over time.”
“His theory about time travel sounds fascinating but completely impossible.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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